Check Out Tyler Corcoran’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tyler Corcoran.

Hi Tyler, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m originally from Lancaster, CA and at 15 years old decided to set out on my own. Running from unresolved feelings of resentment, anger and hurt I wanted to get away from my family, authority and home life. I slept mostly in abandoned cars and unoccupied houses before falling in with a local clique and committing petty crime. Not long after a friend’s older brother took me down to south LA where i joined a serious and well established crip gang. Being the only white kid from the neighborhood made me feel special. At 17 i attempted an armed robbery with others from the gang, which was unsuccessful, as we decided to abandon the crime and run out empty handed. I was arrested a few minutes later walking down the street then processed and booked into Sylmar’s juvenile facility. Denying any guilt I was tried as an adult, taken to trial and sentenced to life in prison. At 21, I finally accepted responsibility for my actions and decided I could change the course of my life: no excuses, justifications, or victim mentality. Instead I believed change was possible and that I must find a way to live a life with meaning and purpose. I did this through working recovery programs, education, leaning into literature, music and finding ways to positively connect with those around me. I became an artist, barber and boxing coach, each role becoming a unique way for me to exercise my creativity, interact with the population, provide mentorship and be of service to the community. I spent 19 years in prison before being resentenced by a judge and sentenced home 10 days later. Walking out was difficult after spending so many years incarcerated, but my commitment to helping instead of hurting was stronger than ever. It’s been 4 years now and in that time I have gone on to build a thriving private boxing coaching practice, public speaking, commissioned artist, writer and advocate for second chances. I have found love, traveled the country and become a proud father. I love life and live each day with empathy, gratitude, purpose – labeling my approach as “purpose through my principles”. The future is bright and I look forward for all the projects to come.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My journey has definitely not been smooth. From growing up and navigating adult prisons to coming home at the age of 36 to a world of social media, self checkout isles and advanced technology – to having never had a bank account, drivers license or credit card, its been quite an adjustment. However, I’m proud of the progress made and for having a proactive mentality to over come these obstacles.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a writer, painter, public speaker and fitness boxing coach. I’m proud of having created my own path and practice. What sets me apart is having been incarcerated for 19 years and having developed these skills while in prison.

Any big plans?
I am planning on developing a boxing/therapy program for recovery centers, going back to the inside to share my experiences with incarcerated individuals, booking more key note speaking engagements, creating a website as well as writing a novel, television show and screenplay. These are all actively in the works.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tycorcoran/